subject: The Terracotta Warriors: How Were They Made? [print this page] The Terracotta Warriors were found during an archaeological excavation in 1974 in Xian. This city was once the capitol of the Chinese Empire. The warriors and horses were found in what was the mausoleum of one of the emperors.
The mausoleum was for the emperor Qin Shi Huang. Construction on it began when he was only 13 years old and took the throne in 246 BC. Eleven years were needed to finish the mausoleum.
The Terracotta Warriors are life-sized figures of warriors and horses made from terracotta. Included are war chariots made of wood as well. They were made to be exact replicas of the guard for the emperor. Past emperors would have actual warriors buried with them so this was an advance over times past.
The warriors were made through the efforts of both craftsmen and workmen. The figures were made in individual parts, legs, arms, torsos and heads which would then be assembled later. Eight different mods were used for the faces. After, clay was added to make the different facial features.
It is believed that the legs of the warriors were made in a manner similar to assembly lines and were put together after they were fired. The same workshops that were used to make regular items such as terracotta tiles were utilized for making the warriors. After the soldiers were made, they were put in formation like a real army.
It seems that these warriors were fashioned from yellow earth that is near to the mausoleum. Workers would grind this earth, removing impurities as they ensured that it was fine. A white grit which contained feldspar, quartz and mica was then added to strengthen the earth so it could be used for large figures.
The warriors were then put in a kiln and fired. Holes were put into the figures in specific places so that the firing would be even. Later, the figures were both glazed and colored. Facial characteristics were different. For all their work, the reward of the craftsmen was to be buried while alive in the tomb of the emperor. This was to ensure that they told no secrets about his resting space.
Now, replicas of these warriors are made using the same methods and sold. They can be purchased and sent to your own home. It starts with the clay that is local to which water is added and the mixture then kneaded and rubbed. The clay will then be put into molds which were fashioned after the original warriors. A week later, the molds will be removed and the figure allowed to dry in the air for one month.
When the air-drying is complete, the warriors will be put in kilns which are semi-underground and fired. The temperatures needs to be increased gradually until it reaches 1740F or so. This can take around 2 days after the firing is completed. At this time, the kiln can be allowed to cool. Once this is done, the warriors are taken out and let dry for 2 or 3 more days after which the parts are glued together. Finally, the exterior finishes are added.
